Brain Edema and Neurologic Deficits in Rat Stroke Model: The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Salvia Officinalis

Bachground & Objectives: In the brain ischemia, the production of free radicals increases. Salvia is a rich source of antioxidant compounds therefore, in this study we will examine the effects of Salvia extracts on brain edema and score of neurological deficits.  Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 35 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, each containing 7 rats. The control group received distilled water, and the other three groups received intrapertioneally hydroalcoholic extracts of Salvia officinalis with dosages of 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg for 3 weeks (1+3=4, Where is the other group? There should be five groups but there are only four groups here.). Thereafter, each main group underwent 60 min middle cerebral artery occlusion 2 hours after the last injection of Salvia extracts .This occlusion caused ischemia in the right hemisphere. Then, the brain edema was assessed, and the neurologic deficits were analyzed. The sham group was not treated and no induction of brain ischemia. Brain edema was analyzed through SPSS18 software and LSD method, while the analysis of neurologic deficits was carried out by Mann-Whitney U. Results: Our study results indicate that the hydroalcoholic extracts of Salvia reduced permeability brain edema in three dosages of 50, 75, and 100mg/kg (83/29±0/42 , 82/10±0/32 and 81/29±0/48, respectively) compared with the control group (85/31±0/58). They also reduced the neurologic deficits in experimental groups of 75 and 100 mg/kg (1/43±0/37 and 1±0/31, respectively) compared with the control group (3/71±0/42) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Salvia officinalis apparently have a protective effect against stroke damage due to the reduced brain edema and neurological disorders.